VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

McCloudVoice · Guest

I sold my little Behringer mixer, which birthed much of you what many of you heard on my demo in the critique forum... and that was done mostly through a Shure handheld stage mic in a shock mount stand.

I'm looking to get back in with at least home "audition" capability, at the least, since I'm a short drive from studios in Cleveland that have all the bells and whistles (ISDN, great mics, etc.) for major work.

Is a USB mic of any variety worth trying? I don't have the $$ for anything right now, but I'm dying to get myself back into the mix. An agent swore to me that was all I needed these days... "a USB mic and a blanket over my head" and "let the engineers and producers worry about tweaking in post." That is, after all, and I quote "how the big guns do it on the road."

I'm tempted to give one a whirl and just run it straight to CoolEdit Pro 2.0 (old school!)

Bearing in mind that I'm not in the market to spend a ton... is it worth even investing in this as a means of recording gigs from home when called upon to do so? (ie, can't book studio, NOW turnaround, etc?) Can one actually survive on just the mic and software to clean up the track?

If it's a winner of an idea, any suggestions on which one and from where?

Thanks, all!

billelder · Guest

For that 'Under the blanket' type recording work, you may want to consider the LL Bean Head Light. (Please...no politician references. Let's keep this civil.)

A quick "USB" search of some threads in this forum here, here and here.

Jowillie · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:47 am Post subject:

Yes. I have tried several and was shocked and amazed (I am easily entertained) at how good the newer USB mics sound.
Here's one that sounds partlicularly good: USB 008 ...then listen to the test.
There is a new version of the 008 naturally called the 009 that includes the headphone output and even higher audio resolution.
Quite a few manufacturers are now making some of their more popular upper end mics in USB configuration. Audio Technica, Blue and now SE and more.
OR...you can look at the new MXL Mic Mate or MicroPro interfaces that allow you to connect your favorite mic directly into your USB port. Some also have headphone outlet built in.
Play. Have fun. Let us know what you find out.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

The AT2020 is the best $100 mic I've heard or owned. I'd try the
AT2020 USB version. It's new, and Audio Technica makes consistently
good stuff. I use more expensive mics now, but wouldn't hesitate to use
the AT2020 for a paid project.
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todd ellis · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:50 am Post subject:

i use an at2020 on the road with the micport pro. very happy with it/them.
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anthonyVO · 14th Avenue Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1470 Location: NYC

ccpetersen · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:50 am Post subject:

I have the Blue Snow Ball and the Samson C01U. Both perform quite well, although I like the dynamic range of the Samson a bit better for my voice. YMMV. The other threads have good stuff, too.

(edited to keep Lou's face from turning blue) Wink

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louzucaro · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:52 am Post subject:

ccpetersen · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:53 am Post subject:

Lou, I might have known somebody like you would take advantage of a perfectly straight line like that...

and, I'd like to see you wait that out on ME...

Wink

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louzucaro · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:54 am Post subject:

I'm pretty sure this is a challenge from which I should simply walk away, or at the very least, feign misunderstanding and innocence Wink

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Hart · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:01 am Post subject:

Where's a good raised eyebrow smiley when a mod needs one?
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bigjames · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:47 am Post subject:

Did you check out the usb AT2020. i have heard good things about it.

Jowillie · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 1:40 pm Post subject:

I just got an email flyer today from "guitar-crazies" or "Sweetgums" or somebody like that with the AT2020 USB on sale for only $499.00 or so. Hmmmmm. Is that a deal? Or what?
edit: Warning!! If you got this flyer, beware. That's way too high!
AT2020 USB example
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Wild Willie Edwards
www.hometowntvtoday.com
http://vomictest.blogspot.com